Speaking at Perth Airport,an emotional Priya,Tharnicaa’s mother,thanked the community and her family for the support they received while living in the capital for the past year. “Me and my family are very happy to start our journey back to my community in Bilo,” she said. “Thank you to all in Perth,thanks WA.”
Her other daughter,Kopika,said she felt “happy” to be going on a plane. The shy six-year-old told reporters her favourite game was hide-and-seek and she was excited for her sister’s pink-themed birthday party as it was her favourite colour,too.
Priya and Nadesalingam Murugappan,who arrived by boat as Tamil asylum seekers about a decade ago,and their Australian-born daughters were detained on Christmas Island in August 2019 after earlier detention on the mainland,while they sought refugee status in the courts. They were later moved to Perth after Tharnicaa suffered a blood infection and have been in community detention ever since.
The family were well regarded and involved in the close-knit town of Biloela,with friends and community leaders fighting for their return since they were taken away in an early morning raid by the Australian Border Force in 2019.
The community have hung welcome-home signs and baked cakes in preparation for the family’s arrival. “Home to Bilo” campaign co-ordinator Angela Fredericks will accompany the family on their flight to Brisbane.